John 6:11 (KJV)
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
Thanksgiving is an attitude of appreciation and gratitude to God for all things. It is the master password to gaining entrance into God’s Gate and Court(Psalm 100:4). It is a significant secret to increase in life. Anything we do not thank God for diminishes. Jesus knew this spiritual technique and used it often during His earthly ministry. After commanding everyone to sit down upon the grassy slopes, Jesus took the boy’s five loaves and two fishes, He lifted them and gave thanks, and they multiplied. As soon as He gave thanks, the food multiplied such that twelve baskets were gathered as remnants. No wonder Psalm 67:5-6 says, “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” When we release our thanksgiving and praise to God, He commands the earth to yield her increase to us. Jeremiah 30:19 says, “Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving. And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.” Thanksgiving always yields multiplication. It is a significant mystery of supplies and abundance in the glory. In other words, God must be gratefully acknowledged for everything that must increase.
We understand that thanksgiving to God is an act of appreciation or showing gratitude to God for something received from Him, for what He has done or what He will do. Giving thanks is the most distinctive mark of a true believer, for it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thanksgiving is one of the vital secrets of life and the cheapest way to live. Thanksgiving will earn us great things that others consider us unqualified for or cannot access. A posture of purposeful and permanent thanks to God is central to Christian character. It gives glory to Him. It is a critical defense against satan’s temptations to distrust, complain, and feel depressed. Peter Bohler, a man of faith, said, “Oh, Brother Wesley, the Lord has done so much for my life. Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Christ Jesus with every one of them.” These words inspired Charles Wesley to write the hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Our tongues are not meant to enjoy Thanksgiving meals alone but praise our Maker while we have breath. When we stand in front of an impossible situation, we can hope, trust, and thank God. Despite what the onlookers believe, the doubters do, or the scorners say, we praise the One Who has shown us great grace and glorious mercy in the difficult times of our lives.
Beloved, choose to have an attitude of thankfulness. You cannot be great until you are grateful. Working hard does not determine how successful you will be. No man prevails by strength. Only those grateful to God receive His Grace. So, always thank God for who He is, what He’s done, and what He is doing. When you give thanks for what He did for you yesterday, you will compel Him to act today. BE THANKFUL, COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS AND NAMING THEM ONE BY ONE IN THIS SEASON and ALWAYS! As you celebrate Thanksgiving Day and thank God, may the resurrection power of God that brought Lazarus out of death when Jesus stood at his tomb and gave thanks to God also resurrect everything that seems dead in your life. As you celebrate this day, the Lord God will comfort you and make your wilderness like the garden of Eden and your deserts like His garden full of joy and gladness. Today, may your thanksgiving be to the Lord, for He alone can multiply and glorify them. Thank God in every situation; He will always multiply whatever you are thankful for. Appreciate Him for the little you have, and your elevation is guaranteed. May you experience the tangibility of this Word in your life. Likewise, as Jesus gave thanks and saw an increase, may you also see an increase when you thank the Father. Peaceloving Gospel, thank God for all things and your lives. Enjoy your day. Happy Thanksgiving!
O Lord, thank You for Your unfailing and infinite love. Help me always be thankful for everything in Jesus’ Name.